Uber defies local law, launches in Miami

The Uber Technologies Inc. application and logo are displayed on an Apple Inc. iPhone 5s and iPad Air.

Taxi-hailing service Uber took its battle against Miami laws to the streets on Wednesday – literally.

Defying local law, Uber planned to launch its lower-cost UberX service in Miami-Dade County at noon eastern, putting itself in direct competition with rival Lyft. Lyft started offering rides two weeks ago.

Both companies are trying to, well, run over existing regulations. The Miami Herald writes the competitors are battling county government, which deems the services illegal. Regulators have already issued 11 fines to Lyft drivers, according to the Herald.

Prevented from competing with traditional taxis, Uber has tried to fight the rules in Florida’s capital. Along the way, it’s gotten high-profile help: Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican from Miami, spoke at the company’s Washington headquarters in March. He said Uber is a real-world example of regulations crowding out innovation and competitors.

Based on Lyft’s experience, Uber drivers could be in for some fines as well. A spokesman for County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said the mayor wants competition for taxis and limousines but his administration can’t break the law.

“Mayor Gimenez certainly wants to attract companies like Uber and Lyft to Miami-Dade County, but his position hasn’t changed,” said spokesman Michael Hernandez. “As long as our regulatory code is what it is, he’s going to continue to enforce what we have on the books,” he told the Herald.

Local residents, meanwhile, were pretty happy about the company’s move.

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